Jake Gyllenhaal as Batman and Other Actors Almost Cast as Superheroes

There was a time when superheroes were associated with just one actor (Christopher Reeve, for example). Of course, in the age of reboots, we’re getting pretty used to there being multiple actors as Batmen and Supermen. Since some of the sting has been taken away, we thought you could handle this list of superhero movies that nearly happened and the actors that almost starred in them.

Angela Bassett, Storm

Kristy Puchko

Angela Bassett was approached to play Storm in Bryan Singer's first 'X-Men' film, but turned down the part. Which is a bummer, because we would've loved to see Storm drag Magneto's stuff out into the driveway and set it on fire with lightning!

Burt Reynolds, Superman

Kristy Puchko

We know we said that reboots have taken the edge off these, but Great Googlymoogly, can you imagine that ridiculous womb broom on the Man of Steel's face. Sylvester Stallone and Paul Newman were also up for the part, both of which are significantly less confusing to us than ol' Bandit McStachio.

Robin Williams, The Joker

Kristy Puchko

In addition to almost being the Riddler in 'Batman Forever,' Robin Williams expressed interest in playing Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' Adrien Brody and Steve Carrell also wanted the part. Hey, Brody's got the face for it.

Sandra Bullock, Wonder Woman

Kristy Puchko

Back in the early '00s, Sandra Bullock was attached to a Wonder Woman movie that would've been produced by Joel 'The Matrix' Silver. Thankfully we were spared the sight of a Wonder Woman that has to eat massive quantities of food in every scene and do a million pratfalls.

Terence Stamp, Magneto

Kristy Puchko

Yes, Terence Stamp, aka "Kneel Before" Zod, was considered for the part of Magneto in 'X-Men.' We would've been just fine with that. He's Terence Stamp. He can do whatever he wants.

Tom Cruise, Iron Man

Kristy Puchko

Tom Cruise wanted to play Iron Man and produce the film back in the late '90s. Stan Lee was involved in the script, and at one point Quentin Tarantino was attached to direct. The '90s were insane, folks.

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